I have been reading with interest the ‘Dolomite Racing’ and ‘Free Racing Seminar’ forum topics. It is good to see new interest in racing Triumphs, new blood is always welcome.<br>
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May I take this opportunity to introduce myself, I am Mark Field, owner of JIGSAW and sometime (when work and health allows) racer in the TR/TSSC Race series competing in my fully modified TR7 Sprint. As discussed with Scott I am willing to assist members of the TDC with putting your proposal to the TR/TSSC Race championship for inclusion into the series.<br>
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Prior to assisting with your proposal there are a number of points that you, as a group should take into consideration :-<br>
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The TR/TSSC series is currently open to the TR Register & Triumph Sports Six Club (TSSC) cars prior to the clubs inclusion of all Triumphs within the club. Other cars are by invitation of the series organiser<br>
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All eligible cars must be fitted with standard block, cylinder head and gearbox casings i.e. Spitfire with 1300 or 1500 block, GT6 with 2 litre 6 cylinder and thus a Sprint will have to have its 16V 2 litre unit fitted. <br>
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The current class structures allow for a variety of modifications to be carried out to your car dependent on your budget, and effectively the fitment of a FIA roll cage, harness, seat, fire extinguisher, battery cut off switch, firewall between you and the petrol tank, and purchase of protective clothing will allow you to enter the Standard Class. Class structures range from road sports through to fully modified. The TSSC cars have two classes Standard and Modified, but the TR cars have a greater split due to the range of cars. At this point I would suggest that you take the same route as the TSSC cars and have two classes, i.e. Standard and Modified. Time will be your worst enemy in preparation of your car, as the first race is always earlier than you expect!!<br>
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With regard to preparation if you are able to carry out the majority of this yourself then you will be able to keep costs down, but if you intend to have the works carried out by a garage then expect a big bill! <br>
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Ideally you should be looking at spending your budget on FIA specified safety equipment including your roll cage, fire extinguishers, seat and harness, cut off switch. Then go for sorting the suspension, and class allowed engine and gearbox modifications. The stripping of the cars original internal items (Seats/carpets etc) done by yourself will save lots of money, and don’t go for expensive re-sprays, as long as the car is tidy, the re-spray will not make it go faster or handle better.<br>
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The current race series for the TR/TSSC group is contested over 12 or so rounds in the year, with locations as far a field as Oulton Park, Cadwell, Brands and Thruxton. Entry fees are around £170-ish giving you 2-4 personnel passes and 1 vehicle (all circuit dependent), and on top of this you may want B&B and evening meals. Although not necessary you may also want to consider a tow vehicle and suitable trailer. Races are held at race meetings where such clubs as Aston Martin Owners Club, MG Owners Club, are the organisers thus providing other interesting cars to watch during the day.<br>
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To put a positive case forward for the inclusion of the Dolomites into the existing TR/TSSC Race series, you will need to show that you are serious in your intentions and that you will make all attempts to compete in the 2004 series, particularly if at the TR/TSSC AGM you are accepted. <br>
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I am pleased to have been asked to assist you with your proposal to the TR/TSSC lads and trust that our discussions on Saturday 4th October will be of assistance to you all, such that you will consider attending the TR/TSSC AGM on Sunday 16th November, held again at our workshop facility in Desborough.<br>
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In the meantime if you would like some additional information please drop Scott or myself an email and we will do out utmost to answer your query<br>
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Mark Field<br>
JIGSAW<br>
Email –
mark@jigsawracingservices.co.uk<br>
Telephone – 01536 763799<br>
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